Boatbuilding: Design, Making, and Culture

This course introduces the study of the design, work, material culture and history through the construction of a traditional workboat. As the class builds the boat we’ll gain a hands-on understanding of issues of design, skill, and workmanship. At the same time, we’ll do historical research and visit museums to gain insight into the history of small craft and their builders and users from the nineteenth century to the present, and also consider philosophical issues of tradition, creativity, and knowledge in engineering and making. Weekly writing assignments, including a journal, will connect hands-on work and research.